Iran War Expert: "The 8 Weeks After Midterms Could Be The Most Dangerous!" | Prof Robert Pape
Political violence scholar Robert Pape tells Steven Bartlett the eight weeks after the US midterms may be the most dangerous of our lives, as election turmoil, the Iran war and Russia's war collide.
The gist
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Pape says over 40 million Americans back using the military against anti-Trump protesters and over 60 million back force against Trump, double September 2024 levels.
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Using a roulette analogy, Pape argues Trump is chasing losses in Iran, doubling down because a losing war threatens his party support and legacy.
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He says the three-day strike plan mirrors 1991's Instant Thunder, planned as three days but lasting 43 days and killing 5,000 to 15,000 civilians.
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Pape expects Putin, unable to get Ukrainian territory through Trump, to target power in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa, aiming to knock out 90%.
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His three firebreaks: Congress opposing Iran escalation until the new Congress sits, a two-month moratorium on federal armed agents in cities, and a civilian protection pledge.
Steven Bartlett recommends it
"You have this wonderful book that's out now, Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism. So if anybody is interested in these subjects that we've talked about today, this is the definitive book on the subject matter. It is evidence-based. There's lots of sta..."
▶ Play at 1:22:00What they recommend · 1 pick
"You have this wonderful book that's out now, Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism. So if anybody is interested in these subjects that we've talked about..."
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